Changing and Being Changed

As we prepare to go to New Orleans, I think we’re all getting the sense that we are in for a new and interesting journey – something not quite like what we’ve done before. The whole team will be posting about what our purpose is for going and then what we are taking with us that isn’t in our suitcase.

A few weeks ago it was Transfiguration Sunday. The gospel lesson described Jesus going on a journey up a mountain with Peter, James and John. While up there, Jesus changed. Jesus was transfigured. He appeared to be talking to Moses and Elijah, so Peter wanted to build them all a dwelling. But before he could get any further, a cloud overshadowed them and a voice said, “This is my son, the Beloved; listen to him!” And then the disciples were alone with Jesus again.

In getting ready for this journey, we expect a change. We’re slowly climbing up the mountain and preparing for a life changing experience. But the thing is, the most life changing thing has already happened – We’ve already heard that Jesus is God’s son. We are living in this promise, not just looking for it this summer. Listening to Jesus is what’s drawing us nearer to New Orleans. This is what we cannot put in our suitcase, but we are taking with us – the assurance that Jesus is God’s son and that Jesus making the whole journey with us.

As they came down the mountain, Jesus told Peter, James and John not to tell anyone what had happened until after he had risen from the dead. My hope is that as we travel to New Orleans, we are ready to listen. Through listening, I hope we will be able to see that we all have hurricanes in our lives and we all have ways to help bring peace and assurance to others. And as we come back again, I hope that we are bursting to tell others not just about what a fun trip we had, but about the change we’ve found in Jesus throughout our lives.